Police searching for man who tried to violate woman

Police are searching for a man who allegedly tried to take photos or video up a woman's skirt at Wal-Mart in Clearlake. He was described as a light-skinned black man in his 30s, about 5-feet-11-inches tall with an average build. He had short, shaved, styled hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark colored T-shirt with a large white design on the front which read 'DAD.'

CLEARLAKE &GT;&GT; The Clearlake Police Department (CPD) is on the lookout for a man who was allegedly trying to capture images or video up a woman's skirt at Wal-Mart. The CPD is asking for the public's help in finding the suspect.

The incident occurred on June 12, at about 6:30 p.m. when two women were shopping together inside Wal-Mart in Clearlake, according to a press release issued by CPD Sgt. Rodd Joseph.

The press release stated the women were in the households area of the store. While one of the women was attempting to get an item from a top display shelf, a man reportedly walked up and squatted down behind her, holding store merchandise and allegedly using it to conceal a small camera, Joseph stated. The man positioned himself so he could place the camera up under the unsuspecting woman's skirt and take a photograph.

The woman was reportedly unaware of the man's actions at the time of the incident, but her friend witnessed the incident and confronted the suspect.

The man reportedly denied the allegations and fled the store without being identified, Joseph stated.

He was described as a light-skinned black man in his 30s, about 5-feet-11-inches tall with an average build. He had short, shaved, styled hair and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark colored T-shirt with a large white design on the front which read "DAD."

On Thursday, the CPD was able to secure video footage from Wal-Mart and photographs of the suspect both entering and leaving the store, according to Joseph. The suspect was last seen driving a dark blue, newer model Jeep Liberty.

People with information about the suspect's possible identity or current address are asked to contact Sgt. Rodd Joseph at 994-8251, ext 338. Callers may remain anonymous.